The Nelsons Monument is located within Edinburgh and is a

The Nelsons Monument is located within Edinburgh and is a commemorative tower in honour of the Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. The monument can be found on the top of Calton Hill. The construction of this monument began in 1807 and finished in 1815, the purpose of it is to commemorate Nelsons victory over the French and Spanish fleets during the Battle of Trafalgar which was in 1805. Nelson lost his life during the battles against the French and Spanish. In 1853 an addition to the monument was made, a time ball was added, this was added as a time signal for shipping in Leith harbour. Restoration work was carried out on the monument during 2009.
The construction of the monument occurred at the highest point of Calton Hill; this is 171 metres above sea level. It replaced an earlier mast which was used to send signal to shipping in the Forth. The costs associated with building the monument were funded by public money and the initial design for the monument was prepared by Alexander Nasmyth. The original design was announced to be too expensive; due to this an alternative design had to be agreed upon. This alternative design was in the form of an upturned telescope, this was obtained from the work of architect Robert Burn. Construction on the building began in 1807; it was not far off being complete when money ran the following year. In 1815, Burn died and the work was passed to Thomas Bonnar. Thomas now had the responsibility of completing the pentagonal castellated building; this now forms the base of the tower. The actual purpose of the tower was meant to be as a signal mast, this would be attended by sailors who would have accommodation on the ground floor, although these rooms were used as a tea room in 1820. Public access was granted from when the building was opened although a small fee was charged. The rooms which were created were used at a later date for accommodation for the caretaker. In 2009 the monument featured in the Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, at this point the tower was heavily restored, this included repairs to stonework and also metalwork. The monument is regarded as category A listed building which ensures it will be protected.
The monument is 32 metres in height and has 143 steps which lead to public viewing gallery. The monument overlooks the well known Princes Street; this ensures it makes an important landmark for the city of Edinburgh. Many visitors who go to Princes Street whilst in Edinburgh usually visit the monument to experience the fantastic views and atmosphere which it offers. The building is open to the public and is regarded as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh. Ever since the monument under went restoration work, the popularity of the building has grown greatly.